When I first found out that I hated gay people I was devastated because there are gay people that I've loved and called friend for a long time. I haven't seen any of them since I found out that I hate them and now I'm not sure how to act when I'm around them. Also, I'm nervous they may not want to see me if they heard that I hate them.
hate noun, often attributive \ˈhāt\
a : intense hostility and aversion usually deriving from fear, anger, or sense of injury b : extreme dislike or antipathy : loathing <had a great hateof hard work>
I'm a little worried that they may find out they hate me too. But, I suppose that eventually they'll have to hate me because I do things they don't support or agree with. For instance, I over eat. Who wants to be around someone that thinks about food constantly? I've taken my marriage for granted. I've stolen things before and I can be really ungrateful. I've consumed unhealthy amounts of alcohol. I'm also guilty of gossiping and saying hurtful things that aren't true. Oh, and remember when we used to call Whataburger and tell them they got our order wrong just so we could get free food?
"Don’t you realize that those who do wrong will not inherit the Kingdom of God? Don’t fool yourselves. Those who indulge in sexual sin, or who worship idols, or commit adultery, or are male prostitutes, or practice homosexuality,or are thieves, or greedy people, or drunkards, or are abusive, or cheat people—none of these will inherit the Kingdom of God.
Some of you were once like that. But you were cleansed; you were made holy; you were made right with God by calling on the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God." 1 Cor 6:9-11
They say that the reason I hate my gay friends is because of my Christian beliefs (you can read about my beliefs by clicking here); because Jesus loves me and saturates me with forgiveness. He sets me apart and says that I'm righteous. I thought that was why I should love my friends that don't believe in Jesus, so I could tell them. Who wants to hear about Jesus from someone who hates them?
But the truth is, I don't hate gay people! I'm not part of an elitist group that only allows perfect people. Everyone should be loved. And I won't allow anyone to tell me that I hate someone. I know who I love. If you're gay and your friends are insisting that I hate you, tell them that they're wrong. I don't hate you.
The great thing about Jesus is that he says I don't have to love everything about someone in order to love them. He just commands me to love. Everyone reading this deserves love. I can't love you perfectly but Jesus does. Jesus is available to everyone. He's closer than you think.
love noun, verb, loved, lov·ing. [luhv]
a: a profoundly tender, passionate affection for another person.
b: a feeling of warm personal attachment or deep affection, asfor a parent, child, or friend.
Awww, Crissy, this is exactly the message that needs to be shouted from the mountaintops...this is what it truly means to be a Christian. When I read hostile posts and blogs from people saying that it's the Christians who are being intolerant and hateful, I just want to shout that if that's the message they are getting from so-called Christians they know, then they are not being "real" Christians. There are just too many hurting words going back and forth and no one listening. My message is "No, I don't agree with your lifestyle, but that is your personal choice. Yes, I believe that the Bible and God say that it is a sin. But I do not hate you or want you to suffer for that sin just as I don't want any one of us to suffer for our sins. Jesus didn't want that either; that's why he died for us! I truly do love you!" Thanks for your post! :-)
ReplyDeleteThanks Sherry! I love you too. :)
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